History: Some wrestlers are just born to be in the business. Dean Malenko became one of those types. Dean is a second-generation wrestler, with his father, Professor Boris Malenko, becoming known as one of the most hated heels in the United States during his career. Dean was tutored by his father, learning all the tricks of the trade. Early in his career, Malenko worked with Ken Shamrock, training and teaming with him. Dean first started making a mark in Japan, where he wrestled as Dean Solkoff in the UWF. He then moved on, joining his brother Joe (who was also trained by Boris) in All Japan Pro Wrestling in the early '90s. He and Joe worked there for a while, before Dean headed over to New Japan Pro Wrestling, testing his skills there. It was here that Dean first became acquainted with various American wrestlers, including the Pegasus Kid, aka Chris Benoit.

Gaining both skills and a good reputation, Malenko climbed the ladder slowly but surely, eventually coming to ECW in 1994. Malenko wrestled with such future greats as Benoit, Eddie Guerrero, and Shane Douglas, to name a few. He, Benoit, and Douglas formed the Triple Threat, a group almost similar to the IV Horsemen. In November of '94, Malenko won his first gold in the ECW, the Television Title, from 2 Cold Scorpio. 2 Cold eventually took back the belt in March '95. Malenko also served a term as ECW Tag-Team Champions along with Benoit for almost two months before losing to Public Enemy. Malenko was not through with ECW yet, as he managed to win the TV Title one more time, with a great win over Eddie Guerrero. A few days later, Guerrero took the belt back. Soon after, Malenko left for WCW.

Malenko's trip to WCW wasn't a lonely one, as Guerrero, Benoit, and others had either already arrived or came shortly thereafter. Malenko went to work quickly, being the second person to win the WCW Cruiserweight Title, defeating Shinjiro Ohtani on May 2nd, 1996. Rey Mysterio, Jr., took the belt in June, but Malenko came back to win it again in October. Ultimo Dragon defeated him at the end of 1996, but, once again, Malenko came back to reclaim the Cruiserweight Title at the beginning of 1997. A month later, Syxx won the Cruiserweight belt, and Malenko turned his attention elsewhere.

In March of '97, Malenko won the WCW United States Title from his old pal Eddie Guerrero, which he held onto for about 3 months before losing to Jeff Jarrett. Malenko then feuded with Guerrero, the nWo, and Chris Jericho, among others. It was against Jericho when Malenko lost a major match and briefly retired from the sport, disappearing for a few months. When he reappeared, it was with a bang. Disguising himself as Ciclope, Malenko won the Cruiserweight Contender Battle Royale (with a little help from Juvy Guerrera), then defeated a surprised Jericho to earn the Cruiserweight Title for the 4th time. A few months later, he vacated the title to get Jericho in the ring against him again, and lost the match due to disqualification. Malenko then started to have some great brawls with Jericho. Near the end of their feud, Malenko and Jericho had a "Last Chance" match, in which Jericho claimed Malenko would never get another shot at him. Malenko lost the match via DQ. But Malenko got revenge a few weeks later, becoming special referee to Jericho's Title match against Guerrera. Guerrera won the title, with a little help from the Ice Man.

After Jericho, Malenko became involved in the campaign to restore the Four Horsemen. After having some great matches against Curt Hennig (the man considered responsible for the Horsemen disappearing), Malenko joined Arn Anderson, Steve "Mongo" McMichael, and Chris Benoit in the ring on a September Monday Nitro. When Ric Flair walked out and came to the ring, Malenko joined the Four Horsemen, one of the greatest traditions in wrestling history. He helped them fight against Eric Bischoff and the nWo, who were opposed to the reformation. During a house show at the beginning of '99, Malenko injured his ankle badly enough to need crutches. This kept him off his feet for about a month, but Malenko was still vocal as a IV Horseman.

When Malenko came back, he and Chris Benoit began teaming together once again. The two later entered into the Tag-Team Title Tournament, making it to the Finals at Superbrawl IX. But they were bested at the end of the Double Elimination tournament, needing two falls against Curt Hennig and Barry Windham. Although Malenko won one fall with the Texas Cloverleaf, Windham used a belt to grab the 2nd fall and win the titles. This was not over for Benoit & Malenko, though, who came back at the next PPV to defeat Hennig & Windham, with a little help from Arn Anderson's tire iron. It was during this point that the IV Horsemen, including Dean Malenko, began to return to its roots, becoming a true heel organization, with run-in attacks on opponents.

At the end of March '99, Benoit & Malenko lost the tag-team belts to Rey Mysterio Jr & Billy Kidman, mostly due to the attack by Raven & Saturn during the match. This created a bitter feud between the two tag-teams, which wasn't ended with Malenko & Benoit beating them at Spring Stampede, thanks to Arn Anderson's interference once again. Benoit & Malenko continued the feud the next month, beginning a war with both Mysterio/Kidman and Raven/Saturn, attacking the wrestlers during other matches. At Slamboree '99, however, Raven and Saturn came out with the tag titles after interference from Kanyon.

Malenko faded into the background for a few weeks, as Ric Flair seemed to be giving other wrestlers the shot at the tag titles. Finally, Malenko and Benoit decided to leave the Horsemen, joining the growing youth movement in WCW. Malenko confronted Arn Anderson on repeated occasions, but never managed to change his mind about the way Flair was acting. Malenko then joined with Benoit, Saturn, and Shane Douglas, starting the Youth Revolution against Flair and his allies. Malenko tried to wrest the US Title from young David Flair's hands, but lost at Bash at the Beach, after Ric Flair knocked him out with the US belt. Still, Malenko was there when Benoit took down David Flair to win the US belt, supporting his partner.

The Revolution continued on track in August, as Malenko, Douglas, and Saturn defeated the West Texas Rednecks at Road Wild '99. Over the next few weeks, Malenko stayed with the Revolution, working as a team. In the Nitro before Fall Brawl, he was involved in a Battle Royale to decide a Heavyweight contender. He and his friend, Benoit, were the last remaining. But their match was broken up by Sid Vicious. At Fall Brawl, Malenko and Douglas faced off against Hugh Morrus and Brian Knobbs. Surprisingly, the First Family members pulled off the upset victory, with Morrus hitting the No Laughing Matter on Malenko. The next Nitro, Malenko and Benoit had a rematch, with Benoit getting the victory. Soon after, problems arose between the two, as Benoit began joining up with fellow Canadian Bret Hart. On a Nitro, Benoit threw away his Revolution shirt, saying that the Hart family had made him, not the Revolution. This ired the Revolution, and Malenko came out and interfered at Halloween Havoc '99, costing Benoit his TV Title to Rick Steiner. The feud between Benoit & the Revolution would go on & off for the next few months.

In the next month, the Revolution began a small feud with Billy Kidman, which eventually spilled into the Filthy Animals. This feud left both groups short members from the brutal wars that erupted. At Mayhem in November, Malenko teamed with Saturn and Asya, their powerhouse female wrestler, against Kidman, Eddie Guerrero, and their valet (and Kidman's girlfriend) Torrie Wilson. The match, was fought Elimination style. In the first few minutes, problems developed between Kidman & Guerrero, when Torrie went down with a twisted ankle. When Guerrero pushed Kidman back, Malenko took advantage, getting the roll-up and eliminating him. This was a short victory, however, as Malenko was the next to go, being taken out by Guerrero. Asya soon followed. Saturn, however, did manage to get the win for his team, taking out both Guerrero and Wilson. This victory made the Revolution even more cocky, as they declared themselves separate from the fans that booed them.

The Revolution's complaints grew quickly, as they turned against the United States of America, saying that they were better than the country they wrestled in. When they attempted to burn a U.S. flag, though, "Hacksaw" Jim Duggan quickly came to the defense. Malenko and the rest were too much for Duggan, though, almost always beating him down by sheer numbers. At Starrcade, a match was signed between the group and Duggan. If Duggan won, the Revolution would take on Duggan's janitorial duties. If the Revolution came out on top, Duggan would have to forsake the U.S.A. At Starrcade, Duggan brought the Varsity Club with him to fight his adversaries. But the Club quickly turned on Duggan, leaving him behind, and Malenko and the rest easily took out the Hacksaw.

At the next Nitro, Duggan refused to badmouth America, earning him another beating from the Revolution. This brought out the Filthy Animals, returning from where they had gone, and bringing back the feud between the two groups. The Revolution quickly went after Kidman, seeing him as the leader of the group. At Souled Out '00, Kidman was signed in multiple matches. His first one was against Malenko, in a "Catch as Catch Can" match. The first to hit the outside lost. This was a quick match, as Malenko rolled outside to apparently catch a breather, forgetting the stipulations of the bout. Kidman, thus, got the win in only a few minutes. This would be Malenko's last WCW Pay-Per-View. Shortly thereafter, Malenko, Benoit, Saturn, and Eddie Guerrero walked out of WCW as a group.

At a WWF Raw show in February '00, the Radicals appeared, looking to get jobs with the WWF. After a lot of hard work (and help from Cactus Jack), the Radicals were finally given contracts. As soon as they got the contracts, though, they turned on Cactus Jack and began a partial team-up with Degeneration-X and "Commissioner" Hunter Hearst Helmsley. They quickly became despised by the fans, as Malenko, Saturn, Benoit, and an injured Guerrero broke every rule to win matches. At No Way Out '00, Malenko, Benoit, and Saturn took on Rakishi and Too Cool. Malenko, unfortunately, was taken down for the pin, as the Radicals lost their first ppv. Soon after, Benoit would leave the group to wrestle on his own, while Malenko and the rest continued their battles with Too Cool. This soon involved Chyna, the 9th wonder of the world, as she teamed with Too Cool to take on Malenko, Saturn, and Guerrero at the next pay-per-view, Wrestlemania 2000. Once again, the Radicals lost, causing another small break-up.

Still, things were getting better for Dean Malenko. At a March WWF show, Malenko managed to defeat Esso Rios to win the World Light Heavyweight Championship, his first title in the WWF. He held the belt for more than a month before losing it to Scotty Too Hotty, his long-time rival from Too Cool. Malenko would come back the next week to take down Too Hotty, and reclaim his title. The duo met at Backlash '00 for a final match between them. In a long bout, Malenko again came out a winner, keeping his belt. Malenko's success didn't help the problems between the Radicals, as Malenko and Saturn began fighting each other due to Malenko's interference in matches. When Guerrero, now partnered with his "mamacita", Chyna, tried to get involved, Saturn and Malenko then turned on him. The three men decided to meet in a Triangle match at Judgement Day '00, in a bout for Guerrero's European Title. Although Malenko put up a good fight, he was nonetheless taken down by the Frog Splash, as Guerrero retained.

Malenko's next step in the WWF was the King of the Ring Tournament. Unfortunately, even though he was still the Lightweight champion, a distraction from Tori allowed him to be pinned by X-Pac in the Qualifying Round, quickly ending any hopes of Malenko winning the tournament. Malenko soon recovered from this loss, as he gained the services of Terri as his valet/partner. Malenko began to be known as Dean-o Machin-o. The duo soon started a feud with the Kat, whose partner, Taka Michinoku, was taken out during one of their matches. Because of this, Jerry "The King" Lawler stepped into Taka's place, helping the Kat win. The feud between Malenko & Terri and the Kat & Lawler grew for a while, but was never settled at a Pay-Per-View due to various circumstances & injuries, including Malenko having shoulder problems. He wrestled on Jakked shows for a while, continuing to build his in-ring presence in the WWF. Malenko's image also continued to grow, as he began to think of himself as the "James Bond of the WWF". His theme soon changed to match.

The Raw after No Mercy '00, Chris Benoit was battling the Roaddogg. Surprisingly, Malenko came out to ringside and distracted the d-o-double-g, allowing Benoit to get his Crippler Crossface and the victory. Dean and Chris then hugged after the match, showing that they had put their differences behind them. A few days later, when Malenko & Benoit met the Roaddogg & HHH, Perry Saturn also reappeared, rejoining the other two former Radicalz. Eddie Guerrero aided them a few shows later, leading to the reformation of the Radicalz, now more dangerous than ever. This started a major war between the Radicalz and the reformed Degeneration-X. During the feud, the Radicalz struck a bond with Triple H, becoming his "gang". At the Survivor Series '00, the Radicalz and Degeneration-X brought out an old tradition, fighting in an Elimination match. Malenko, Benoit, Guerrero, and Saturn met up with Chyna, "The One" Billy Gunn, K-Kwik, and the Roaddogg. Chyna was quickly taken out by her former ally Guerrero, who knocked her cold with the Intercontinental Title. D-X struck back soon enough, with Gunn taking care of Guerrero with a modified sleeper/slam. The Radicalz worked harder as a team, though, with Benoit eliminating K-Kwik and Saturn putting the Dogg out. Unfortunately for Malenko, he fell prey to Gunn and was dropped with the Fameasser, being eliminated. Saturn and Benoit then went on to get rid of Gunn using (illegal) teamwork, so the Radicalz got the victory.

The feud with DX continued for a few more weeks, with Malenko & Guerrero losing to Gunn & Chyna at Rebellion 2000, when Gunn managed to get the pinfall on the Iceman. Soon after, while Benoit concentrated on "The One" Billy Gunn and his IC Title, the rest of the Radicalz began a feud with the Hardy Boys and their manager/valet, Lita. After repeated encounters, the two groups got together at Armageddon 2000, in another Elimination match. The Smackdown before the PPV, the Hardys & Lita managed to humiliate Malenko, sending the stakes even higher. This time it was the Radicalz sans Benoit vs. Jeff Hardy, Matt Hardy, and Lita. The shots went back and forth, and Guerrero was the first to go, feeling the Twist of Fate from Lita followed by the Swanton Bomb from Jeff Hardy. Saturn got revenge for his partner, though, eliminating Jeff less than a minute later. Saturn then tagged in and out with Malenko, doing a lot of double-teaming on Matt Hardy. But Hardy turned things around and took out Saturn with his Twist of Fate, making it two-on-one against Malenko. But Malenko had things well in hand, using his lady Terri. Terri got into a brawl with Lita, distracting Matt. This allowed Malenko to shove Matt into Lita, sending her flying out of the ring. Malenko then rolled up the concerned Matt, getting the pinfall victory. This left Malenko alone against Lita. Malenko wanted Lita to pay for embarrassing him on the Smackdown before, and thus held out the punishment, refusing to pin the lady. In the end, Malenko finally ended it, getting her in the Texas Cloverleaf and forcing her to submit. Malenko got the victory for the Radicalz, becoming the sole 'survivor' of the bout.

At the beginning of 2001, Malenko started to continue his feud with the Hardys, trying to peek in at Lita while she was in the shower. The Hardy Boys caught him, though, and savagely beat him, putting him on the sidelines for a month, and effectively taking him out of the Royal Rumble '01. The real reason for the assault was because Malenko was forced to go on the injury list with a bad knee. He had the knee surgically repaired, then recovered for a month. He then tried a return in February on a Raw, facing off against Lita. But Lita, with Matt Hardy's help, defeated Dean. This was when Lita and Matt shared their surprise kiss. The feud with the Hardy Boys & Lita continued for a few more cards, as the Radicalz worked against them. The Radicalz also began having problems again, however, as Benoit & Guerrero had a falling out. Malenko & Saturn stayed with Guerrero, with Benoit once again going on his own. Malenko also finally lost the Light-Heavyweight Title, being beaten by Crash Holly in March '01.

Malenko did make an appearance at Wrestlemania XVII, coming down during Guerrero's match with the European Champion, Test. Malenko distracted the referee, allowing Saturn to toss the European strap to Guerrero. Guerrero then knocked out Test, getting the pinfall victory as well as the European Title. The next night on Raw, the Radicalz came to the ring, bragging about how Test was alone and unable to fight the numbers. However, Test came out, flocked by the Acolytes, starting a 6-Man Tag match which was won by Test when he took out Saturn. A week later, the Radicalz faced off against Test & new allies "The One" Billy Gunn & Raven. In a surprise finish, Raven took out Guerrero with his Evenflow DDT and got the pinfall victory. Not long afterwards, Guerrero went on his own way, after losing the European Title to Matt Hardy. This left Malenko & Saturn as a tag-team, with Terri as their valet.

At the England PPV, Insurrextion '01, Malenko & Saturn showcased their skills, defeating Hardcore & Crash Holly in a tag-team match. This made them eligible for the Tag-Team Turmoil bout at Judgement Day, back in the States. Malenko & Saturn were one of the first teams out, facing off against the aPa (Farooq & Bradshaw). The winner of the match would get a tag-team title shot on Raw. The Radicalz fought hard, but in the end, Farooq took out Saturn with a spinebuster and got the victory, making them the first team eliminated in the match. On Raw, the Radicalz sought retribution, facing off against the aPa once again. Unfortunately, the match went about the same way, despite Terri flashing the aPa, as the former Acolytes took out Saturn with a violent double-gutwrench powerbomb. Afterwards, medics checked on Saturn, who seemed really out of it. On Smackdown, Malenko faced off in singles competition against Raven, getting the victory after Saturn hit Raven with a neckbreaker. After the match, Raven got retribution, dropping Saturn on the chair with his DDT. Once again, Saturn was badly out of it, talking strangely later in the night.

Malenko's problems with Saturn continued in the next few weeks, when they were slated to battle the Dudley Boyz in a tag-team match. During the fight, Malenko was hit by the Dudley's "Wazzuupp" maneuver. To make things worse, Saturn, who had found a pair of Dudley glasses, climbed the turnbuckle and did the same move on Malenko, with their opponents holding his legs. Saturn then told D'Von to "Get the Muffins!" and "You're welcome". The Dudleyz, showing no sympathy, took out Saturn with the 3-D and got the win. The next week, after Saturn took yet another head shot from Steve Blackman, Malenko, with Terri, pleaded with Commissioner Regal to give Saturn Smackdown off. Regal relented, giving Malenko his chance to straighten things out with his partner. Whether Saturn will be able to recover, and whether Malenko will reenter the Lightweight Title hunt, is unknown.